The midfielder has been struggling with a hamstring problem and missed the Blaugrana's 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday evening. Barca left back Jordi Alba also appears to have shaken off fitness problems of his own in time to be fit for the European encounter at Parc des Princes.

The likes of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and David Villa were left out of the starting line-up on Saturday, which had a second-string feel to it despite the caliber of some starters, including Lionel Messi, who scored in his 19th consecutive Liga match.

Victor Valdes will return between the sticks having missed the Celta clash through suspension, while Carles Puyol and Pedro remain on the sidelines through injury.

Barca's morale has also been boosted by the news that Tito Vilanova is set to travel with the squad having returned to Spain after undergoing cancer treatment in the United States and took his second training session since coming back on Sunday morning.